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Effects of COVID-19 lockdown phases in India: an atmospheric perspective

Pramod Soni1

  • 1Department of Civil Engineering, MNNIT Allahabad, Prayagraj, India.

Environment, Development and Sustainability
|January 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 lockdowns in India significantly reduced Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), especially in North-Central regions, by up to 50%. AOD levels in 2020 were higher before the lockdown compared to previous years.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, led to global lockdowns and significant societal challenges.
  • India implemented multiple lockdown and unlock phases between March and July 2020 to curb virus transmission.
  • Air quality, specifically Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), is a key indicator of atmospheric particulate matter and pollution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) over India.
  • To investigate regional variations in AOD changes during different lockdown and unlock phases.
  • To compare 2020 AOD levels with previous years to understand pre-lockdown pollution trends.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MODIS satellite data to retrieve Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values.
  • Analyzed AOD data across various geographical regions of India.
  • Correlated AOD fluctuations with the timeline of national lockdown and unlock periods.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in AOD was observed across India following the implementation of lockdown measures.
  • The North-Central regions of India experienced the most substantial AOD reduction, reaching up to 50%.
  • A notable increase in AOD was recorded during the pre-lockdown period of 2020 compared to the preceding two years.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 lockdown policies demonstrably improved air quality by reducing atmospheric aerosols.
  • Regional disparities in AOD reduction highlight the varied impact of environmental policies.
  • The study underscores the sensitivity of atmospheric conditions to human activity and policy interventions.

Keywords:
AODCOVID-19India

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